Whitney Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Whitney Dam, located on the Brazos River in Waco, Texas, serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply.
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Summary
Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1951, the dam stands at 166 feet tall and spans 7,538 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 2,100,400 acre-feet. Despite its risk assessment classifying potential hazards as low, Whitney Dam remains a critical infrastructure that must be carefully monitored and maintained to ensure the safety of downstream communities, particularly the City of Waco located 35 miles away.
To mitigate risks associated with the dam, regular inspections and monitoring are conducted to uphold its structural integrity. Emergency response plans are updated and exercised annually to enhance coordination between various agencies in the event of a breach. Measures such as embankment repairs and additional rock layers have been implemented to strengthen the dam and protect it from potential threats, ensuring the safety of residents and infrastructure downstream. Despite the unlikely nature of a dam breach, the potential consequences underscore the importance of ongoing risk management practices and vigilant maintenance efforts at Whitney Dam.
In the rare event of a breach, downstream flooding in Waco could occur rapidly, causing significant loss of life and economic damages. It is crucial for stakeholders, emergency managers, and the public to remain informed about the risks associated with Whitney Dam and to support ongoing risk mitigation efforts. By employing proactive measures and maintaining a strong emergency response framework, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers aims to uphold the safety and well-being of all those who may be affected by the operation of Whitney Dam.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
7538 |
Dam Height |
159 |
River Or Stream |
BRAZOS RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
23560 |
Hydraulic Height |
148 |
Drainage Area |
17656 |
Nid Storage |
2100400 |
Structural Height |
166 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
166 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Brazos Rv Nr Aquilla
|
57cfs |
Aquilla Ck Abv Aquilla
|
1cfs |
N Bosque Rv Nr Clifton
|
28cfs |
N Bosque Rv At Valley Mills
|
17cfs |
Nolan Rv At Blum
|
7cfs |
Hog Ck Nr Crawford
|
2cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Whitney Dam
Whitney Lk Nr Whitney
Aquilla Lk Abv Aquilla
Hill County